Prepare to transform your kitchen into a gourmet Italian restaurant with this irresistible Lemon Risotto with Peas – a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests! Imagine a creamy, luxurious risotto that bursts with bright citrus notes and sweet green peas, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your mouth water from the first bite. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious cooking novice, this recipe is your ticket to culinary brilliance.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup peas, frozen or fresh
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the chicken or vegetable broth in a separate saucepan and keep it simmering on low heat. This ensures the broth is hot when gradually added to the rice.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add Arborio rice to the pan and toast the grains for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat each grain with oil and prevent burning. The rice should become slightly translucent around the edges.
- Pour in the white wine and stir until the liquid is completely absorbed by the rice, which will take about 1-2 minutes.
- Begin adding the hot broth one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously. Allow each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. This slow process helps release the rice's starches, creating the creamy risotto texture.
- After about 15-18 minutes of adding broth, when the rice is almost tender, stir in the peas and continue cooking.
- When rice is al dente and has a creamy consistency, remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese and fresh lemon zest if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Rice: Always use Arborio rice, which has high starch content crucial for creating that signature creamy risotto texture.
- Temperature Matters: Keep your broth hot and simmering before adding to the rice. This ensures even cooking and helps release the rice's starches.
- Patience is Key: Stir continuously and add broth gradually. Rushing this process can result in unevenly cooked or gummy risotto.
- Don't Overcook: Aim for al dente rice – it should have a slight bite in the center while maintaining a creamy overall consistency.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh lemon zest and high-quality parmesan cheese for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Serve Immediately: Risotto is best enjoyed right after cooking when it's at its creamiest. Waiting too long can make it dry and less appealing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
